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“Thank you for trusting me with your life,” she whispers. “It means a lot.”
“I think you and I make a good team together, eh?”
We hug each other. I bury my face in her neck, the sensation causing her to laugh. I feel safe enough to let my guard down, allowing myself to get lost in the moment as I join her, chucking gleefully. Doing so feels right, like I’ve made a mistake in prohibiting myself from enjoying a good time over all these years.
For too long all I ever thought about was the throne. My parents instilled the importance of politics in me from a young age, but I can’t blame them. They were raised the same way.
As an heir to the position of power in Lodra, I grew up with a lot of expectations. They’ve always weighed down on me from day one, and part of me feels like I haven’t led a normal life.
I always thought I’d be ready to do whatever it took to rule Lodra, including going ahead with an arranged marriage. My experience with Vippera has rocked that perspective upside down. At the thought of her, I shake my head.
“I’m sorry,” mutters Rory.
“Hmm? Why are you apologizing?” I ask, snapping back to reality.
“I know how important The Hunt is for naga. You probably never envisioned it going like that for you.”
“You’re kidding, right? This is the best way things could have gone because now I get to end the night with you in my arms.”
Rory blushes as she looks at her feet.
“I’m just in disbelief that this whole saga with Vippera is finally at an end.”
“What’s going to happen to her now?” she asks.
“She’s going to be put on trial for her crimes. If you ask me, she should be put straight to death,” I tell her. “Alas, steps will have to be taken in order to keep diplomatic relations with Jalma stable, the last thing Lodra needs is conflict. That’s a problem for tomorrow though.”
“Well, I’m sure that whatever needs to be done can be taken care of with you at the helm of everything.”
“Besides, The Hunt is not yet over,” I moan slowly with a devious smile.
“What do you mean?” she replies, tilting her head.
“I’m still on it as we speak, my eyes are just on a different target now…”
I dive onto her, kissing and nibbling her neck as she laughs loudly. Just then, the sound of plates and cutlery comes from the dining room. I lift my head.
“Sounds like dinner has arrived,” I say.
Rory’s stomach groans.
“Just in time, it seems,” I chuckle.
“Well, I suppose we should go eat then.”
“Yeah, I could do with a meal.”
I stand up from the bed, allowing Rory a moment to gather herself. As I gaze upon her, I’m hit with a rush of gratitude and appreciation. I realize now that Vippera is gone, it opens up the door for a groundbreaking possibility.
“Are you ready?” she asks.
“Wait, before we head out, I have something to say.”
“Oh?”
“Rory… Come closer.”
I wrap my arms around her waist and gaze softly into her eyes.
